Opening of Alþingi 2024
September 10, 2024
The President delivers an opening address at Alþingi 2024.
Photo: Eyþór Árnason.
The President delivers an opening address at Alþingi. In the address, the President touched on the complex and diverse issues awaiting resolution in Parliament and emphasized that the nation looks to the members of Parliament for successful work and effective results. Democracy requires compromise, negotiation and reconciliation processes that can lead to a suitable outcome for the majority of the nation.
“But in complex issues, there is no single answer. The solution is
multifarious. Let us listen to other people’s perspectives, and come together in kindness: let us converse with mutual respect for others’ experiences and views. Let us rise up above the day-to-day squabbles. Other nations are facing the same challenges. Let us learn from what our neighbouring nations are doing well.”
No party divisions over the welfare of young people
In the address, the President paid particular attention to the issues facing the younger generation. “On this occasion parliament comes together under the shadow of the national trauma arising from the stabbing that took place on Culture Night last month, with tragic consequences. Under such circumstances we are overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness. For what can be more important in human society than our people? Our young people in the prime of their lives?
Like Alþingi, schools all over the country are beginning a new term in the shadow of this tragedy.
We must take care of our children – ensure their safety, and bring them up
into adulthood. We must set them a good example in our own reactions, and
help them with their reactions. Bryndís Klara’s parents have reached out to us, asking us to ensure that love is the only “weapon” used in our society. How will we respond to their appeal?
We have a duty. We must, we shall, uproot these dangerous tendencies, so
that such an event cannot happen again.
This is the duty of us all – people of all persuasions are surely agreed on
that."
The President’s address can be read here in English translation.
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